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"
Taking Advantage of Opportunity May Require Stepping Out of Your Comfort Zone And Taking Personal Risks"

by Robert Kirwan
  
  

   Let me start off this week’s article with a little riddle.
  
   In one local business there were five employees who were not happy with their particular situation. If two of the employees decided that they would quit their job, go to school to get a diploma and get into a more satisfying career, how many of the original five employees were still working for the company?
  
   The answer is five.
  
   Deciding that you are going to do something to improve your life and begin a new career is one thing, but actually doing it is another. Anyone can talk about self-improvement. As a matter of fact, I am sure that we all engage in such conversations from time to time. It takes a lot of courage to actually risk stepping out of your comfort zone to do something about it.
 
  Many of us might be finding ourselves at a crossroads in our life right now with unemployment rate in the Greater Sudbury Area at the highest level in decades. While the actual number of persons collecting employment insurance is high, there are many more people who have had their hours reduced and must live on less income. There are also thousands of people in our community who are on strike.  
 

   I’m sure that a large number of people who have had their employment interrupted or wages reduced are thinking seriously about their future. In fact, the whole question of job security is foremost on the minds of many employees as they watch companies downsize, shut down and contract out.
 
  Nevertheless, instead of looking at the current situation in Greater Sudbury negatively, some people are considering this the opportunity they have been waiting for to “do something about their future”.
 
   It brings to mind one of my favourite stories about a very devout Christian who lived in an area that was being flooded by heavy rain.  All of the people in the town were told to leave their homes so that they would avoid certain death from the flood. A large truck stopped outside the man’s door and the driver told him to get on board. The Christian yelled out, “Don’t worry. I am staying here.  God will take care of me.” The rain continued and the water rose, flooding the entire first floor of the man’s house. A person in a boat came by and called to the man to get on board. The Christian yelled out, “Don’t worry. I am staying here.  God will take care of me.” The rain continued to fall until the only thing the Christian could do was climb to the top of the roof. Suddenly a helicopter came by and the pilot called down to the Christian to grab onto the rope and climb to safety. The Christian yelled out, “Don’t worry. I am staying here.  God will take care of me.” Sadly, the water continued to rise and the Christian drowned.
 
   When the Christian arrived at the Gates of Heaven, he looked up at God and asked, “Why did you not save me? I had faith in you and I prayed that you would take care of me. Why did you let me die?” God looked at the Christian and declared, “What more could I do for you? I sent you a truck, a boat and a helicopter and you turned them all away.”
 
   So if you are like one of those two employees who “decided to do something to improve their current situation”, now that the opportunity may have actually arrived, don’t be like the Christian in the story above. Don’t pass up a perfectly good opportunity to change your life forever. Consider your options and take a personal risk. Step out of your comfort zone!

   Have a good week.
 

REFLECTIONS by Robert Kirwan

Robert Kirwan has been writing inspirational editorials about education, sports and life in general for over 25 years. He is most recognized as the writer/editor for Valley East's The Vision Paper for almost ten years. Now you can read hundreds of editorials that Kirwan has written over the years by clicking on the button to the right.

  


"The Real Heroes Of The Olympic Games Were The 12,000 Torch Bearers Who Left Lasting Memories Across This Great Country"    
by Robert Kirwan
   As I write this article I can truly say that never in my life have I been so proud to be a Canadian. And I am not afraid to say that publicly to anyone who is around to listen. The Olympic Games in Vancouver were absolutely phenomenal. To be able to declare that I actually watched Sidney Crosby score the winning goal in overtime to capture not only the gold medal for Men's Hockey, but moreover, the 14th and record-setting gold medal of the games is something that I will hold dear to my heart for the rest of my life. I watched Paul Henderson score the winning goal in 1972 during the famous Canada-Russia Series, and this moment ranks right up there alongside that tremendous moment in history.

   There has been much said and written recently about how the Olympic Games has rejuvenated our national pride and raised our normally refined patriotism in this country to a euphoric level the likes of which few can recall being equaled in the past. There were some amazing achievements realized by all of our athletes, and there were some disappointments.  As a country, "Team Canada" broke the all-time record for the most gold medals ever won by any nation at an winter Olympics. This means that our national anthem was sung after more events than any other nation in the world, and after all, that is what the Olympics is all about. It is nice to congratulate the bronze and silver medallists,  but the reality is that we celebrate the "gold medal". We want to hear our national anthem played and we want to see our athletes stand on the top level of the podium. All in all, there were some extraordinarily inspirational and emotional times during the period from February 12 to 28, 2010 that touched the hearts of all Canadians.

   Nevertheless, despite all of the great moments that occurred during the actual competitions, I doubt very much that the Olympic Spirit that we felt during the games would not have been quite as intense if not for the 106 day Olympic Torch Relay that began on October 30, 2009 in Victoria British Columbia and ended during the Opening Ceremonies on February 12, 2010. I would suggest that the key to the tremendous success of the 2010 Olympics was the decision to make this the longest torch run in history to be contained within the Host Country. The torch was carried a total of 45,000 kilometers through over 1000 communities in 106 days by over 12,000 individual "heroes" allowing over 90% of the population of Canada to be within a one hour drive of experiencing the Olympic flame. The Olympic Spirit was nurtured across this vast country and culminated with Sidney Crosby's overtime game-winning goal. The roar was felt all around the world, but it was started in Olympia Greece on October 22, 2009 and continued to build once it started its journey across Canada.

   In the days following the closing ceremonies, I have yet to hear one comment or news story about the Olympic Torch Relay. All of our attention has been focused on the performance of the athletes and in particular on Sidney Crosby's single goal. I wonder what things would have been like if the United States would have won that last game? Personally, I will soon forget the accomplishments of the athletes during the Olympic games. I'll remember the game winning goal and I will remember that we won 14 gold medals. But I will soon forget the competition that created the euphoria. However, there is something that I will never forget and I would like to share it with you right now.

   I have always believed that we may over time forget the names of people we meet in our life, but we will never forget how they made us feel. This was n ever more evident than when the journey of life that my wife and I are on lead us to Barrie on October 22, 2009, helping our son Warren, and Cindi Meyer move into their brand new house. While we were taking a break from moving in the furniture we found ourselves watching the live broadcast of the Olympic Flame being lit in Olympia Greece during a special ceremony to hand the torch to Canadian officials. We took advantage of the opportunity to get a photo of Cindi beside the television. Cindi, you see, was one of the 12,000 people who had been selected to carry the torch. At that time, I could sense that this was more than just a picture of Cindi in front of her television, but I still had no idea just how much it would eventually come to mean. This was indeed a very significant moment in a story that was about to unfold over the next several months. I wondered silently how many other families of the 12,000 torch bearers were doing exactly the same as us. For us, this television broadcast meant a lot more than we could ever imagine.

   All during the Christmas season, when people asked me what I was going to be doing during the holidays, I told them that we were going to be in Barrie watching Cindi carry the torch in Alliston, about 40 minutes south of where they now lived. The responses I received were quite remarkable. Each and every person had an expression of what can be best described as "Wow!" They were sincerely happy that I would be experiencing such an important event and they couldn't say enough about how lucky I was to be so close to someone was going to be an official "Olympic Torch-Bearer". I could sense that they felt their trips to exotic places around the world for the holidays were nowhere as impressive as what I was going to be doing. This happened over and over again and I began to feel a deep sense of pride and anticipation. I began to feel the importance of the event. I was actually going to be with my family witnessing Cindi carry the Olympic torch. There were going to be a lot of torch parties going on over the land, and we would be attending one of them. It was actually quite exciting but I still had no idea of what was to come.

   We even started to follow the Olympic Torch on the CTV web site. You were able to see each individual carry the torch over their stretch of 300 meters, and even though we were not there in person, I could still feel that sense of pride and anticipation building up inside me, knowing that the flame was making its way to Alliston where on December 29, we would see Cindi doing exactly what these people were doing on television. As the day approached, there was a special feeling that came over me that I couldn't quite explain.

   When the big day finally came we crowded into our vehicles to drive the 40 minutes from Warren's house to the spot where Cindi would begin her run. Warren and Cindi along with her children went ahead because the Olympic Torch Bearers had to gather in advance for final instructions at a central meeting place.

   There was no way in the world that I could have ever imagined how I was going to feel later on that afternoon. But I will admit that I felt different. I can't describe it, but there was something different inside of me. It was as if I knew that I was going to be part of something special.

   When we arrived in Alliston we positioned ourselves beside the pole where Cindi would be dropped off by the Torch-Bearer Bus that went out in advance of the relay runners. Each torch-bearer had a designated drop-off spot along the route. Warren told us where Cindi's drop-off spot would be and he was there when we arrived. We found ourselves sort of in the middle of a stretch of the street which was between a corner with traffic lights and a section of the downtown that was barricaded to keep traffic out for a good hour prior to the run. Because of this, very few spectators were in the spot when Cindi was dropped off. There was a crowd at the corner with the traffic lights and there was a crowd gathering on the other side of the barricade. You can see in the photo below as Cindi was let out of the bus that there were not many people around her at the time. 

   This was the moment we had been waiting for since the day we found out that Cindi was one of the 12,000 persons selected to carry the torch.

   What happened during the next fifteen minutes was a truly defining moment in my life, as I am sure it became in the life of many of the people who were around me that day. Almost immediately, dozens of people began inching their way towards Cindi. They saw her get out of the bus and they wanted to get an up-close look at this "celebrity" whom we simply called Cindi. 

   We took a picture of Cindi and Warren with her two children, Brittney and Austin and then the flood-gates opened and everybody surrounded Cindi asking politely if she would mind them getting their picture taken with her and the torch. It was if the picture we took released something inside the spectators. It was as if they felt "connected" to Cindi. You could tell how proud and thrilled these "strangers" were to be allowed to stand beside a real, live Olympic Torch Bearer and have someone take their picture. They touched the torch gently and with reverence. 

   At that moment in time, Cindi was the most famous person in the world to the people in the crowd, especially to the youngsters. Wayne Gretsky could have walked by and the people would still have wanted to get their picture with Cindi. This was Cindi's moment and Cindi was absolutely gracious. She was anticipating one of the most important moments in her life, and yet she gratefully obliged everyone by standing there and letting them get their picture so that they could put it in a treasured place to remind them of the event for the rest of their lives. You could tell that everyone who touched the torch and stood beside Cindi felt that she was somehow representing "ordinary Canadians" and that this stretch of the run was being done for them.

   I stood back and watched as my granddaughters, Hailee (5) on the left and Hannah (3) on the right went up and hugged their Aunt Cindi. They put their hands on the torch. They had heard us talking about this for some time and they too, even as young as they were, could understand that this was something very special. When they get older they will appreciate the significance of the event, but even now they somehow knew. This was the same Aunt Cindi who they had been with that morning, but somehow Aunt Cindi was going to be different for a while. She was going to be doing something very special and they could feel it just like everyone else in the crowd.

   Keep in mind that this all happened in less than 10 or 15 minutes from the time the bus dropped Cindi off by herself at her designated spot until the flame was delivered to her and she would carry it for the next leg in the 45,000 kilometre journey. It was truly remarkable and I can honestly say I have never felt quite the same as I did that day. I can't even describe how I felt. I was so proud to be there to witness the moment with my family and my granddaughters.  I was also so happy for the dozens of people who would be able to tell their family and friends that they had their picture taken with an Olympic Torch Bearer. You could tell that they were moved and very appreciative of the way Cindi treated them. I was so proud of Cindi for allowing everyone to share a little piece of this moment that they would take away with them forever.

   And then the "flame" arrived and was transferred to Cindi. The crowd watched, cameras flashing, and Cindi stood alone for a few seconds in the middle of the street, taking it all in and realizing the significance of the event. Now it was her turn to accept responsibility for bringing the flame on the next stage of its long journey. This was the flame that we had seen on television on October 22, 2009. It was the flame we were going to watch on February 12, 2010 when the Olympic cauldron was lit in Vancouver. Everyone in the street watched and felt in their hearts a sense of pride in being a Canadian that for most of us we had never experienced with such intensity until that moment. Cindi was carrying that torch for everyone on the street and indeed everyone in Canada.

   As Cindi ran with the torch through the crowded street in downtown Alliston, you could sense that each and every person there was running with her. She was carrying much more than a torch with a flame. She was carrying the hopes and dreams of a nation. This was not about athletic competition and gold medals. This was much, much more and the sight of Cindi with that torch would somehow change the life of everyone there in a very positive way forever.

   That is why the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Games meant so much to us. That is why over 26 million people turned on their television sets to watch at least a part of the gold medal hockey game on the afternoon of February 28, 2010. We watched the opening ceremonies; we shared in the highs and lows of the athletes during their competition in sports that many of us have never seen in real life; and we experienced the unbelievable feeling when Crosby scored the goal as the ultimate moment in the games. We then wound down during the opening ceremonies and we now move forward in our individual lives as proud Canadians. Life is returning to normal.

   Millions of people experienced first-hand the Olympic Flame as it was carried by "ordinary" people like Cindi Meyer. There are almost 12,000 "ordinary" people who enjoyed a moment of fame while they took their turn under the flame. There were also some famous people who carried the torch, but the people on the street couldn't stand beside and put their arm around the famous people. They couldn't get their picture with the famous people. But they could get their picture with the thousands of Torch Bearers like Cindi. The people like Cindi Meyer were the real heroes of the 2010 games. They were the ones who generated the Olympic Spirit and who fueled the National pride we all felt when Crosby scored his historic goal. 

   Cindi's Olympic torch will stand in a place of honour in Warren and Cindi's house. Each time I visit I will be reminded of the feeling I had on December 29 when I saw all of those "ordinary" Canadians swelling up with pride on that small street in Alliston. I will be reminded that this same feeling was felt by millions of Canadians across this country who experienced the same thing almost 12,000 times during the 106 day journey. They all have fond memories of the torch run and they also are being reminded when they look at pictures or whenever they meet someone who is introduced to them in the future as "one of the 2010 Olympic Torch Bearers". 

   It is a good feeling knowing that our country is a much better place to live as a result of the 2010 Winter Olympics and it's all because of thousands of ordinary people like Cindi Meyer who carried lit our Canadian Spirit with a small flame, 300 meters at a time. We will forget the names of most of athletes who brought us so much joy during the 17 days of the Olympic Games.  The people who had their picture taken with Cindi Meyer on December 29 on the small street in Alliston will not remember her name. Nor will the millions of others who had a chance to get up close to the thousands of other torch bearers and who experienced the thrill of watching the torch make its way across this country. But I will guarantee you one thing; everyone will remember how they felt when they saw the torch being carried. They will remember the feeling that came over them when they were in the presence of the real heroes of the 2010 Vancouver Olympic Games.

   Have a good week!

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LIVING 
WITH CANCER
by Kevin Shanahan

CANCER BUDDIES

A tumor had burst, in his abdominal area, and Larry's life ended like the throwing of a switch to close a light.   His life's blood was leaving him.  Chris tried, in vain, to bring him back but he was gone when he hit the floor.  She lost the love of her life.  I lost a good friend & cancer buddy.

   Just 36 hours later, Brenda, another cancer buddy never woke from her sleep.  The cancer had come back in her brain.  Just days before, as we drove to her treatment, she shared she wasn't going to make it.  She wasn't afraid.  She talked of her family and concern for her Edgar, the love of her life.

  We were three different people from different walks of life that had come together, through cancer, to become buddies.

    Larry and I were truck drivers delivering product to the same customer.  We were parked about a km apart and, because it was controlled unloading, we had to stay with the truck for that hour.  So we met over the CB radio.  We occasionally met each other going opposite directions, on our highways, so our conversations were brief.  I guess we could be called cyber buddies.  After two years I was leaving my employer for a new job.  Larry's job was coming to an end because his employer lost the contract.  I gave him my employers number, with a good reference, so he took over my old job and my truck.  For another two years we only met while going opposite directions but always exchanged highway information, said our hello and wished each other well until me meet again.  Then one week he wasn't out there.   I enquired with his co-worker.  He told me Larry had lung cancer and was trying to reach me.  The next morning, after 4 years, we got to meet each other face to face.  Then, for the next year we travelled his journey through cancer together.

 When my first article appeared in these pages Brenda was going through her own treatments and, in spite of all the side affects, took the time to send a card and letter of encouragement to a total stranger.  It was two years before we met in a coffee shop, for a brief moment.  We were both on the run and promised to meet again some day.  A year later we did meet again, at the cancer center, and spent some time getting to know each other.  It wasn't long, after that meeting, she moved into the valley.  We got to know them over ice cream, at the DQ, and we shared our inspirations to others at our "living with cancer" peer support meetings.  When her cancer came back, I became one of her drivers to get her to the many treatments.  Things got complicated, she got weaker.  The treatments weren't helping any more.  She was admitted, to hospital, the same day Larry had his final chemotherapy session.  I spoke to her briefly.  Her eyes showed no fear.  I think she knew it was time.  Three days later, she was gone.  

 I was angry at God and screamed for answers.  I know people come into our lives for a reason and, sometimes, it isn't clear to us until much later.  I've read to not let the pain of one season destroy the joy of all the rest.  To not judge life by that one difficult season, but to live simply, love generously, care deeply and speak kindly. 

Even though I will never talk to them again, in this life, they were special and made a difference in this mans life.  Until that day, bless them  for being in my life.

LIVING WITH CANCER
by Kevin Shanahan
Kevin Shanahan is a local writer who has been battling cancer for a number of years. He shares his thoughts about life in the hope of providing inspiration to others who are dealing with this dreadful disease as well as other challenges in life. In this section of Valley East Today we have over fifty different articles that Kevin has written for us so that our readers may share some of his inspirational words/ For more>>>>>
  

  

   

MORTALITY

The phone call came  as I was having breakfast with some friends at our local deli.  That morning, a mutual friend had died.  He just didn't wake up. As I was listening to the details, another friend was walking by using a grocery cart for support.  Later, that morning, I drove a  younger friend to his chemotherapy.  On arrival at the cancer center, I met a cancer buddy being admitted because she was too weak.  Frustration & worry were etched in her face.  The sudden passing of a younger family member was still fresh in my thoughts and it seems that any time I meet with friends, the conversation usually swings to ones health and the medications they are on. Although I try not to encourage this style of conversation, there have been many times I realized that I was doing the same thing and it angered me. Some recent health issues were keeping me from the loves of my life; driving, hiking, snowshoeing and walking.  A few other issues, that week, made me feel the weight of the world on my shoulders. If this isn't frustrating enough,  I can always count on some helpful friend who thinks it important I be reminded of my age.  

  Things change as I go through life.  Some changes are to be expected,  like my taste in music changing from hour to hour.  An all niter, now, is sleeping through the night, til morning.  Having a reason to get out of bed is important but relaxation seems to be right up there with breathing.  Years ago when I drove for hours to visit with family, their first words were "How long did it take ya?"  Somewhere back there those first words changed to "You're looking good!" and it has been those words for many years until recently they changed to "Come on in, you must be tired."  Sheesh!!

  Age has always been, simply, a number and being old will always be fifteen years hence.  I am not fully retired yet and it is my intention to continue driving until that road ends.  I think retirement requires a special mind-set and I'm not sure if I can acquire it. I have struggled with that thought these past few months because, I can't help but wonder, what if my health dictates I retire.  Experience reminds me that the person awakening for that early morning walk is not the same fellow that planned it the night before. I realize there are times my mind will make promises that my body can't keep.

  Surviving cancer taught me to live for today.  In spite of the books that encourage me to live in the moment, or "the now", I'm always looking for enlightenment from whatever source to offer it and I know when one door closes, another beckons I step through. One can lose everything in an instant and when we lose something (health for example) we have to learn to move on, as unbearable as it may be.  We will do it in different ways, and at different times, after the loss.  That old cliche comes to mind,  "If life delivers you lemons, make lemonade".  But, I'm not there yet. 

 That old serenity prayer, most days, comes to mind; God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change.  The courage to change the things I can.  The wisdom to know the difference. There is a short version to that prayer and if we meet, you only need ask.  To those that would, so readily, remind me of my mortality?  Kiss off!!

.LIVING WITH CANCER by Kevin Shanahan

Kevin Shanahan is a local writer who has been battling cancer for a number of years. He shares his thoughts about life in the hope of providing inspiration to others who are dealing with this dreadful disease as well as other challenges in life. In this section of Valley East Today we have over fifty different articles that Kevin has written for us so that our readers may share some of his inspirational words.

  

Robert Kirwan, OCT., B.A. (Math), M.A. (Education)
Independent Education, Training & Career Development Consultant
The Greater Sudbury Learning Clinic

Inspirational editorials and reflections for students, parents and teachers.

Click on a button below for strategies for success that are meant to help you.

Whether you are a student, a parent, a teacher, a grandparent, or just a person who is concerned education, I am sure that you will agree that we are living in an era where self-development and life-long learning is more than just a passing trend. It is my pleasure to bring you some of my favourite editorials, reflections and stories as food for thought that may in some way inspire or motivate you to taking positive steps that will lead you to maximizing your true potential and help you enjoy the best quality of life possible. I hope you enjoy the three editorials provided below. When you have time, please select one of the buttons above for more inspirational reflections on strategies that may make a difference in your life.

The Purpose of Life Is To Matter; To Count; To Stand for something; To Have It Make Some Difference That We Lived At All......Leo Rosten

Leo Rosten's quotation is a remarkable statement.

Isn’t that what living life to the fullest is all about? Isn’t it all about discovery; finding hidden talents and interests; experiencing all there is about life so that you can make wise decisions as you grow and develop into a mature, responsible individual?

I want to share with you with one of my favourite stories of all time. It is called The Star Thrower, and is written by Loren Eiseley. Her story has been told and retold so many times that I am sure it would be next to impossible to find the original version, but the story goes something like this:

Once upon a time there was an old man who used to go to the ocean to walk along the beach and enjoy the waves crashing upon the rocks. Early one morning he was walking along the shore by himself. As he looked down the deserted beach, he saw a human figure in the distance. As he got closer to the stranger, he saw that it was a young teenage boy. The boy was reaching down to the sand, picking up something and very gently throwing it into the ocean. As the old man got closer, he yelled out, "Good morning, young fellow. What are you doing?"

The teenager paused, looked up and replied, "Throwing starfish back in the ocean."

"Why on earth are you doing that?" asked the old man.

The boy replied, "Because the sun is up and the tide is going out. If I don’t throw them in they’ll die."

The old man looked at the teenager in disbelief and said, "But the beach goes on for miles and miles and there are starfish all along it. You can’t possibly make a difference."

The young boy listened politely, then bent down, picked up another starfish and threw it into the sea, past the breaking waves and said, "It made a difference for that one." And then the very wise young boy continued on his way down the beach, bending down and throwing starfish after starfish back into the ocean.

Whenever I feel like I am up against tremendous odds and that my efforts are hopeless in the larger scheme of things, I think about The Starfish Thrower. I would advise every student, parent and teacher to make a copy of this story and keep it somewhere handy so that every time you wonder about your worthiness you can read it.

We have all been gifted with the ability to make a difference. It is just like Leo Rosten stated in the title to this article: "The purpose of life is to matter; to count; to stand for something; to have it make some difference that we lived at all".

It is my personal belief that there is something very special in each and every one of us. It is also my belief that it is our responsibility as human beings to reach out to the people who come into our life and make a difference by sharing those special gifts. And the wonderful thing is that we can all accomplish this with very little effort.

You may not be able to change the world, and you may not be able to make a difference to everyone, but you certainly can make a difference to most of the people you meet.

The young boy in the story understood this very important meaning of life. He represents all young persons who have the courage to experience all there is to encounter along their journey of life. They are not afraid to reach out and try new things.

The old man in the story had become skeptical from his experiences with others. He had adopted the philosophy that if he cannot change the world, there is no use in even trying. He would sit back and do nothing to save the starfish. 

What he learned from the young boy on the beach is that even if the odds are against you and it seems as if there is little you can do, what little you can get done will definitely make some difference. It doesn’t matter how long your journey may be, you can still only get there one step at a time.

Don’t miss out on a golden opportunity to make it a real difference that you have lived at all. Live your life to the fullest and be the best you can be.

 

Education & Career Planning Is One of the Most Important Responsibilities of Family Managers

   If you are a parent, you really don’t need to be reminded about the importance of education. What goes on at school has an impact on every single facet of family life from the time your youngest child enters Junior Kindergarten until the day he or she finally decides that it is time to leave the classroom and enter the world of work.
  
   Many parents today don’t realize, however, just how different things were when they were going through the system. It sure seemed a whole lot easier to deal with school matters when my own children were growing up.  Homework was less difficult to understand and I had no trouble helping my children with their assignments. Most of the time we just let the school take care of education responsibilities. Come to think of it, everything about life seemed so much easier to deal with.
  
   Times are different today – in everything, not just education. Parents are no longer just parents: they are “Family Managers” with responsibilities that include a wide variety of functions, including the management of the education and career planning of their children. In other words, today’s parents MUST take an active role in the education program of their children. They have no choice and it is imperative that they fully understand the implications of provincial testing; IPRC meetings; IEP requirements; special education and resource support; academic vs applied levels of study in high school; college vs university vs apprenticeship options; report cards that have numbers from 1 to 4 instead of percents and letters; etc.
  
   Many parents are left in a total state of confusion, making an attempt to become involved by “helping” with homework until they recognize that the math being taught in school today does not look like the math they were taught 20 or 30 years ago. They try as hard as they can to “force” their children to keep up with assignments and to get high marks but this often leads to an elevated level of stress in the home and a negative attitude towards education among the children.
  
   Today’s parents have no choice! They must accept their role as “Family Managers” and within that organizational structure of the family falls the management of Learning and Education programs for children.
  
   This can mean measures that include anywhere from home schooling to private schools and everything in between from regular schools to special schools to private tutoring. Whatever it takes, it is your responsibility as the “Family Manager” to make sure that effective learning takes place for all members of your “team” – yourself included.
  
   The primary responsibility for educating your child is no longer the job of the schools. It is your job as a parent and how you manage your choice of schools and your understanding of the school system is critical to your performance as the “Family Manager”.
  
   You must find time to visit your child's school once in a while. Talk to the teacher and principal. And don’t just talk about the weather. Talk about substance and become better acquainted with the programs. Ask for explanations. Question policies and philosophies with which you disagree. Visit web sites and check things out.
  
   Whatever you do, DON’T DO NOTHING! Your job as a “Family Manager” is the most important job you will ever have in your life. Be good at it!

 

The Secret To Being A Successful Teacher Can Be Found In A Tube of Toothpaste

I once read an article which was written by a man named Jeff Keller. After I finished the article, I realized that the title, "There’s A Lot More Left In The Tube", is one of those motivational quotations that you would like to hang up in every room to remind you that you should never give up too soon. I would recommend that most classroom teachers should consider putting this quotation up in a banner in a place of honour where all of your students will be reminded of this very important message.

No doubt we have all experienced frustration and despair at various times in our lives when we felt we had done everything we possibly could to achieve a particular goal. It may be something as simple as trying to grow flowers in your garden, or as serious as how to cultivate a better relationship with your child or spouse, or even something to do with your job as a classroom teacher. Whatever the case, there comes a point when you simply feel you can’t go on any further.
  
And yet, the secret to success, and the motivation you are seeking, may very well be as close as your tube of toothpaste. Let me try to explain.

Every time I come to the end of a tube of toothpaste, I am completely amazed that just when I think the tube is absolutely empty, I can squeeze many more brushings out of it. I’m sure you have all gone through the same thing. I look at the seemingly empty tube in my hand, then I look at the new tube in the box, and I have to decide whether to throw away the old and open the new, or try to squeeze a few more out of the old. Without fail, just when I think the tube is absolutely empty, I get to squeeze another 12 or 15 more brushings out of it. 

So, next time you find yourself in a situation where you feel you just can’t go on any further, remember the "tube". It’s usually when things haven’t been working out and you feel like quitting, that you experience a major breakthrough. We can all recall times when success came when we were on our last chance or when we were doing something for the final time. It is when you dig deep down for that one last burst of energy that you find your goal.

Unfortunately, too many people quit too early - just before they could get around that final corner to success. All they needed to do is squeeze one more drop from the tube. Space does not permit me to write the hundreds of examples of successful people who kept on going in the face of adversity and disappointment. Even the writers of "Chicken Soup For The Soul" were rejected by 33 publishers before they found one who would print their book. What if they would have quit too soon? Many of the world’s leaders are examples of people who reached their goal just after their greatest setback.

One of the most important lessons you can give your students is that if you have a goal; if you truly believe in yourself; and if you have the passion, enthusiasm and commitment to go for your dream; then keep squeezing that "inner tube of toothpaste" one more time. And don't forget this when you feel you have done everything possible with one or more of your more challenging students. Just keep squeezing. It is only when you run out of the "passion" that you will know that your "tube is empty". Just make sure that you don’t quit too soon. Success may be just around the corner.

 

Published by
INFOCOM CANADA BUSINESS CONSULTANTS INC.
Robert Kirwan, President & C.E.O.
4456 Noel Crescent, Val Therese ON P3P 1S8
Phone: (705) 969-7215    
EMAIL   rkirwan@infocomcanada.com